ADB undertakes Business Opportunities Seminars (BOSs) in its members to improve the interest and ability of eligible suppliers to locate ADB business opportunities, prepare high-quality and responsive bids, and understand ADB’s procurement and anticorruption procedures. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Procurement, Portfolio and Financial Management Department (PPFD) transitioned its Business Opportunities Outreach Initiatives from in-person to virtual format. This year, PPFD will continue to offer and host virtual BOS and welcome in-person events, in cooperation with the host organizations.

This is a hybrid program that was held across Australia during the week of 17–21 October and was consisted of two components:

• In-person Procurement Seminars in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane followed by one-on-one meetings
• Seminar on Regional Opportunities (BIMP-EAGA and Pacific)

Objectives

Event:

• Two (2) years after the pandemic, there is a need to resume and re-introduce opportunities in international development to Australian companies, as well as provide an opportunity for Australian capability to be profiled to the ADB, World Bank, and similar partners
• This includes reconnecting with State Governments, Industry Associations, and Business Chambers.
• The focus of this year’s program will be on regional opportunities, specifically in BIMP-EAGA and the Pacific region.
• Aside from the usual consulting companies, the seminars will also target a higher number of participants for Goods & Works (contractors and suppliers)

During the seminar, participants were expected to:

• Understand the process of how to win business with key international aid agencies such as the ADB, WB, and DFAT
• Hear about their key priorities as well as ongoing and upcoming business opportunities
• Pipeline visibility, procurement process, and where to find information
• Gain insights into what constitutes a successful bid and proposal
• Focus on Regional Opportunities
• Contractors and suppliers: learn best practices
• Learn how Austrade and State Government can help